Glossary

Adware

An Adware program is a software application which displays advertisements on your computer. Advertisements can be displayed through pop-up / pop-under windows, additional bars or toolbars, underlined links or buttons that appear on a computer screen. Adware applications include additional code that delivers the ads. Adware authors earn money when users click on those ads. Occasionally, adware includes code that tracks user's site visits and passes it to third parties without the user's permission or knowledge.

ANSI Bomb

ANSI bomb is a character sequence, which remaps specific keys on the keyboard. It works when ANSI.SYS driver is loaded and especially dangerous for DOS users. ANSI bomb may reprogram many keys to perform unwanted or destructive actions: format drive C:, display messages or graphical effects, etc.

AOL Pest

AOL pests are malware programs which target users of AOL instant messenger services such as AIM or ICQ. They can be exploits, password stealers or DoS attack tools.

Backdoor

A Backdoor is an undocumented or secret means that can be used to obtain unauthorized access to your computer, or a malicious program that uses such a means to penetrate a computer system. Backdoor applications exploit vulnerabilities of installed programs or operating system and allow attackers to gain control over your computer system. Backdoor works in the background and hides from the user. It is always a high security risk.

BHO

A Browser Helper Object (BHO) is a software application that runs automatically whenever you start Internet Explorer. Browser Helper Objects are typically installed by other programs such as toolbar accessories and can track internet usage, create popup windows, display additional information on a viewed page and collect information that is transmitted by you over the internet. Malicious software that exploits this technology can replace banner advertisements with other ads, monitor your actions, change your home page, etc.

Commercial RAT

Commercial Remote Administration Tool (RAT) is commercial software that is normally used for remote administration, but which might be exploited by hackers to do this without user consent or awareness.

Dialer

A Dialer is a software application that dials long distance phone numbers. Dialers modify your dial-up settings and make very expensive long distance phone calls without your permission. You will be billed for the time used. Dialer authors share the revenues shady long distance providers.

Hacker Tool

A Hacker Tool is any software application that can perform a wide range of hacking related tasks without user's permission. Activities include: disabling a user's anti-virus software or personal firewalls, gaining access to sensitive data, removing copy protection and modifying system settings.

Search Hijacker

A Search Hijacker is a software application that takes control of your browser's default search engine. The search results may not necessarily be the best fit as those usually come from paid advertisements, as issued to you by the Hijacker authors. Search hijackers prevent you from changing your browser's default search engine, and they tend to slow down PC performance.